Clean Up
A good starting point in your seasonal transition is out with the old and in with the new. Let’s start by cleaning up your old withering plants by pulling them from the soil, roots and all. (Keep crops such as tomatoes and okra that will continue to produce fruit until the first frost.) The discarded plants can make their way into your compost pile unless they are disease ridden and/or insect infested. Now you have a clean slate to start with!
Replenish
The soil in your garden will probably be depleted of nutrients from your previous crops. Replenish your soil with a layer of compost (if you don’t have compost, use organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings or straw, etc.).
What crops should be apart of my fall garden?
Arugula: The spicy, nutty kick of fresh arugula is a crowd favorite. Arugula does great in cooler weather; you’ll be able to harvest young leaves 6 to 8 weeks after sowing.
Beets: Nothing beats this delicious vegetable, full of color and flare! These plants are frost tolerant (surviving in around 20 degrees Fahrenheit) and can remain happy and healthy in your garden even with a fall freeze. You can harvest young leaves around 3 weeks after sowing.
Carrots: The perfect root vegetable for your fall stews! Carrots shoot up fast and can survive a few light frosts. They should be ready for harvest 70 to 80 days after planting.
Broccoli: Broccoli thrives in the cooler season and can tolerate hard frosts; this yummy veggie matures in 48 days!
Mustard Greens: These leafy greens are nutrient dense with a spicy kick; maturing in around 6 weeks.
Others include, collard greens, cabbage, spinach, kale, peas, onions, Bok choy, and brussels sprouts.
What types of vegetables can withstand frost?
- Hardy vegetables: These troopers can withstand heavy frosts with temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold weather doesn’t kill hardy plants it just slows their growth rate.
- Semi-hardy vegetables: Can withstand frosts of temps between 28 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maintenance
Maintaining your fall crop is fairly similar to maintaining your summer garden! Seeds will need to be watered regularly, especially from now to September; due to the risk of drying out. To ensure the success of the seeds sowed, plant on a cool day and keep the soil moist until your plants are established. Applying 4 to 6 inches of mulch can help keep the moisture in the soil. Lastly, controlling the pests. Nothing is more annoying then seeing the fruits of your labor slowly disappear by pests chowing down.
Get your fall garden going by stopping by Jolly Lane Greenhouse for all your gardening needs. We have everything you need; gear, soil, seeds, and starter plants ready for a transplant into your garden! See you soon!